Brother, 11, and Sister, 13, Drown off Popular Beach as Father Tries to Save Them: Reports

Tragic Incident at Llarga Beach in Salou: Brother, 11, and Sister, 13, Drown as Father Attempts Rescue Effort

A heart-wrenching incident unfolded at Llarga Beach in Salou, Spain, as an 11-year-old boy and his 13-year-old sister tragically drowned while in the water with their father. Reports indicate that the family, hailing from the United Kingdom, encountered distress in the waters off the beach on Tuesday, July 29.

The unfortunate event saw the father desperately trying to save his children, but ultimately all three individuals found themselves in need of rescue by emergency responders, as revealed by accounts from various UK media outlets including The Times, The Guardian, and the BBC.

Despite the efforts of the responders who swiftly arrived at the scene, the young siblings could not be revived after being brought back to shore. The challenging conditions, including rough waters, posed significant obstacles that prevented a successful outcome for the family.

According to The Guardian, the incident took place approximately 300 feet from the beach in a rocky section of the water. The father, who also required assistance from the rescuers, was reported to have ingested a substantial amount of water and was left in a state of exhaustion.

José Luis Gargallo, the head of the local police force involved in the rescue efforts, highlighted the unpredictability of the sea’s power, warning against underestimating its force, especially during adverse conditions. He emphasised that the area, typically considered safe for swimming, presented heightened risks on that particular day.

Amidst the tragedy, a poignant minute’s silence was held outside Salou town hall to honour the memory of the young victims. The devastated family is said to be receiving support from mental health professionals as they navigate through this unimaginable loss.

The heart-wrenching event on Llarga Beach comes in the wake of another drowning incident on the same day, where a 54-year-old German man lost his life at Cap de Sant Pere de Cambrils beach, adjacent to Llarga beach. These occurrences underscore the importance of water safety and vigilance when engaging in aquatic activities.

In response to the spike in beach-related fatalities, authorities have issued a reminder urging beachgoers to promptly notify lifeguards or emergency services if they observe anyone in distress in the water. The safety advisory aims to facilitate quick and efficient responses in preventing further tragic outcomes.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office from the UK has stated their involvement in supporting the affected family and is collaborating closely with local authorities during this trying time. As investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident, the community mourns the loss of two young lives in a devastating seaside tragedy.